08/24/2026
Ever feel like Social Security disability decisions are completely random? 🤷♂️ It can definitely feel that way, but there is actually a strict structure behind every single decision.
In this Social Security Minute, attorney Jeffrey Rabin breaks down the "sequential evaluation procedure"—or what he likes to call, climbing the 5 steps of the disability ladder:
1️⃣ Substantial Gainful Activity: Are you working full- or part-time and making more than $1,690 gross per month (in 2026)?
2️⃣ Severe Impairment: Do you have a medical condition that minimally impacts your daily function?
3️⃣ Listing of Impairments: Does your condition exactly match Social Security’s strict medical criteria for automatic approval?
4️⃣ Past Relevant Work: Do you retain the physical or mental capability to perform any job you've held in the last 5 years?
5️⃣ Other Work: Considering your age, education, and skills, are there any other jobs left in the national economy you can do?
Every single decision maker uses these exact five steps to evaluate your case.